South Korea entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Pakistani passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea. You must apply at a South Korean embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Pakistani citizens. Plan ahead, as the process involves an in-person appointment and a formal application.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or use an eVisa; you must obtain a visa sticker in your passport before flying. Apply at embassy/consulate | A visa is required for Pakistani passport holders. You must apply at a South Korean embassy or consulate before travel. The eVisa program is not available for your nationality. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport on arrival; without a blank page you may be refused entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. It is safer to have 2 blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight details to ensure you will leave the country. Proof of departure | You must show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket leaving South Korea before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving bank statements or a credit card helps show you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as recent bank statements or a sponsor letter. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an arrival form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for South Korea based on current regulations. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationOnly embassy/consulate visa applications are valid for your nationality. Not eligible | Pakistani passport holders are not eligible for South Korea's eVisa program. Do not attempt an online eVisa application. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Pakistani citizens
Despite South Korea offering eVisa for some nationalities, Pakistani passport holders are NOT eligible. You must apply through the embassy or consulate. Don't fall for online services claiming to issue eVisas for Pakistanis — they're scams.
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 2 weeks, and embassy appointments may be limited. Start your application at least a month before your intended travel date to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, bank statements, employment letter, itinerary, and the completed application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment at the embassy
Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Islamabad (or the consulate in Karachi) to schedule an appointment. Some embassies accept walk-ins, but appointments are safer.
3
Submit your application in person
Attend your appointment with all documents. The visa officer may ask questions about your trip. Submit your biometrics (fingerprints) if required.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer. You can track your application status online using the receipt number given at submission.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, you'll receive your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa's validity dates and entry conditions before you travel.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (C-3-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60
Requires invitation letter from Korean company and business registration documents.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$80
Requires employment contract and approval from Korean immigration; employer must sponsor.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of study
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost$60
Requires admission letter from Korean educational institution and proof of funds.
work visa
E-7 Special Activity Visa
1 year, renewable annually
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For professionals with specialized skills or knowledge. Requires a job offer from a Korean company and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable based on program
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For international students enrolled in Korean universities or language programs. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least KRW 100 million in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (single-entry, 90 days)Standard fee for Pakistani nationals; payable at Korean embassy/consulate. | $40 |
| Visa issuance fee (if approved)Collected at visa issuance; total may be combined with application fee. | $40 |
| Visa extension fee (per extension)For stays beyond visa validity; apply at immigration office before expiry. | $60 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Korea
Transit visa required
Pakistani nationals require a visa even for airside transit through South Korea. There is no visa-free transit program for Pakistani passport holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid visas for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen countries may be eligible for visa-free transit up to 30 days, but must check with the airline and Korean immigration before travel.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in urban areas, especially in winter and spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travelers should avoid raw or undercooked foods from street vendors.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking in forests.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Seobu-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport, application form, and fee.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
945, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for PK travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,543.91 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Pakistani citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival or eVisa. You must obtain a visa from a South Korean embassy or consulate before travelling.
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days, but it can take longer during peak seasons or if additional documents are requested. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure.
The fee varies depending on the visa type (e.g., single-entry vs. multiple-entry) and is set by the embassy. As of 2026, expect to pay around PKR 15,000–25,000, but confirm with the embassy directly.
There's no official minimum, but a common guideline is to show at least $3,000–$5,000 in your account for a short visit. The officer will assess whether your funds are enough for your planned stay.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave South Korea before your authorised stay expires. Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, and a ban on future entry.
You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reason for the denial. The embassy will not refund the fee. It's often helpful to provide additional documents, such as stronger financial proof or a more detailed itinerary.
No. Even if you're just transiting through South Korea, you'll need a visa unless you qualify for a specific transit waiver — which is rare for Pakistani passport holders. Check with the embassy before booking any connecting flights.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.